Domestic Violence in LGBTQIA2S+ Communities
For almost 25 years, HomeFront has supported victims of domestic violence regardless of their gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and it is important that the support available to victims and their families does not discriminate either. Everyone deserves a life free of domestic violence.
It has not always been, and at times still is not safe to seek support as a victim of domestic violence who is part of the LGBTQIA2S+ Community. There is a multitude of factors contributing to feeling as though it is not safe to seek support and can vary from one individual to the next. Some of these barriers include fear of being “outed”, discrimination, having their experience of domestic violence or identity invalidated, lack of access to appropriate support, or fear of accessing support due to previous negative experiences.
What It Can Look Like
- Invalidating or refusing to acknowledge their partner’s gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation
- Threatening to “out” their partner
- Withholding gender affirming care
- Using discriminatory or derogatory language
- Physical violence
- Emotional, mental, sexual abuse
- Coercive Control
HomeFront Support
If you are a victim and charges have been laid in a domestic violence situation, one of HomeFront’s Case Managers will reach out to you and provide support including safety planning, referrals, resources, court updates, and answer any questions you may have.
Our approach is to meet our clients where they are at, with the individualized support that is appropriate for them acknowledging that gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation should be honored while we support them on their journey to healing.